Manila, Jan. 26 -- A Department of Agriculture (DA) order freezing land conversion serves as a buffer against worsening food insecurity, Senator Francis Pangilinan said on Monday.

DA Sec. Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. issued DA Circular No. 1, Series of 2026, which temporarily stops the processing of applications to convert agricultural lands into residential subdivisions or industrial uses.

"Kung patuloy ang pagtanim ng semento, aani ang bansa ng mas malalang kagutuman (If the country keeps planting cement, it will harvest deeper hunger)," Pangilinan said in a statement.

Pangilinan said the six-month halt on the processing of land conversion applications gives immediate protection to food-producing areas while the Senate debates on his pro...